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January 23, 2026
It’s not often that a technical access standard makes headlines.
Yet the recent announcement that the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has secured full UK approval for the European SERMI scheme is exactly that kind of watershed moment, and here’s why it’s a big deal across the automotive sector.
For almost two decades, independent garages across the UK have been knocking on the door of vehicle manufacturers, trying to access the security-related repair and maintenance information that modern cars increasingly require. This isn’t about arcane jargon; it’s about the ability to fix today’s vehicles safely and efficiently. Things like key programming, immobiliser access, ECU updates and other security-linked functions have traditionally been tightly controlled, often favouring franchised dealers. That’s meant barriers (and higher costs) for independent operators and, ultimately, drivers too.
Enter SERMI, the Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information framework, long established in the EU and designed to create a secure, standardised pathway for independent repairers to access this vital data. Its arrival in the UK — the only country outside the EU to gain this approval — signals a new era of fairness and competition.
Cooling and thermal management are increasingly strategic categories for the automotive aftermarket. As vehicles become more complex (particularly with the continued growth of hybrid and electric vehicles) effective temperature control is critical to performance, reliability, and emissions compliance. The acquisition strengthens ELTA’s position in this key growth area and supports its long-term focus on future vehicle technologies.
But the significance goes deeper than technical access.
Drivers Want Choice — and They Know It Cuts Costs
An IAAF survey of over 1,000 UK drivers underscores the broader stakes here:
- 92% believe they should be free to choose where their car is serviced and repaired
- 82% want government action to enshrine that choice into law
- Nearly half see this legislative intervention as a way to lower repair costs through competition
Put simply, people are feeling the squeeze with the cost of living and at the garage. With household budgets under pressure and maintenance costs rising, the ability to go to a trusted local mechanic isn’t just a convenience, it’s a financial necessity.
That’s the context in which SERMI’s approval becomes more than just regulatory progress. It’s a structural enabler for a genuinely competitive market that benefits drivers, independent repairers and the wider automotive aftermarket.
What This Means for the Industry
For many independent garages, certification under the SERMI system will soon be a badge of legitimacy and capability. It demonstrates compliance with stringent security standards and opens doors to services once off-limits. And in an age where software and security define vehicle value and safety as much as metal and mechanics, access to this information is no longer optional: it’s mission critical.
From a consumer perspective, this progress aligns with the broader right-to-repair movement, which is gaining traction as drivers push back against closed systems that limit choice and increase costs. Whether it’s tyres, diagnostics or high-tech vehicle servicing, the message from motorists is clear: choice matters.
For more information on the IAAF’s Right to Repair Campaign, visit: iaaf.co.uk
What’s Next?
SERMI’s approval is a major milestone, but it also marks the start of practical implementation. Independent operators will need to engage with the certification process, invest in compliance and integrate these capabilities into their businesses. The IGA has set the stage; now the sector needs to bring it to life.
To access SERMI, read here.
In the broader policy arena, the right-to-repair debate continues. Industry bodies, consumer groups and lawmakers are all watching closely, and the momentum for legislative clarity is undeniable.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tim Brotherton
Marketing & Communications Manager at ELTA Automotive Ltd